The Accord Party and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have officially declared their support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. The endorsement came after a high-level meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, where party leaders discussed the organisation's direction and expressed confidence in Tinubu's leadership.
According to a Facebook post by lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, a key ally of Governor Adeleke, the meeting was held late Saturday, July 25, to align the party's strategy for the upcoming elections. The gathering included the national leadership of the Accord Party, state chairmen from across Nigeria, and Governor Adeleke himself.
Reasons for Supporting Tinubu
Party officials stated that President Tinubu's administration should be allowed to continue its infrastructure development projects, specifically mentioning the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. They argued that these projects are crucial for national development and should be completed under Tinubu's watch.
The endorsement places the Accord Party among a growing list of political groups that have publicly backed Tinubu for a second term, well ahead of the 2027 polls. The general elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections following on February 6, 2027.
Concerns Over Osun Governorship Election
The meeting also addressed the upcoming Osun state governorship election, set for August. Party leaders expressed alarm over potential electoral misconduct, including violence, intimidation, and the possible deployment of security forces against Accord Party members. They warned that such actions would be unacceptable and called for a free and fair election.
Present at the meeting were National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem, Deputy National Chairman Maryam Sale, National Secretary Ajaja Abiola Adebukola, National Treasurer Abdulazeez Oyeniyi Salaudeen, National Organising Secretary Ibe Thankgod, and National Publicity Secretary Omorogbe Joseph. State chairmen from various parts of the country also attended.
Key Contenders for 2027
President Tinubu, a longstanding All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, is seeking a second term. He faces competition from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Both are considered leading contenders in the presidential race.
In a related development, Sunday Dare, special adviser to President Tinubu on media and public communication, asserted that the incumbent remains the most favoured candidate for 2027. In an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Dare cited the federal government's ongoing reforms and Tinubu's political pedigree as reasons for his confidence, barring a major political upset.
Looking Ahead
The Accord Party's decision to endorse Tinubu signals a strategic alignment that could influence the political landscape in Osun State and beyond. With the governorship election imminent and the general elections less than two years away, the party is positioning itself as a key player in the 2027 electoral cycle.
